break even

1 of 3

phrase

: to achieve a balance

especially : to operate a business or enterprise without either loss or profit

breakeven

2 of 3

noun

break·​even ˈbrāk-ˈē-vən 

: the point at which cost and income are equal and there is neither profit nor loss

also : a financial result reflecting neither profit nor loss

break-even

3 of 3

adjective

ˈbrāk-ˈē-vən 

: having equal cost and income

Examples of break even in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Phrase

Feng estimates that a carmaker in China needs to achieve annual sales of 500,000 units to break even, 1million units for sustainable profits, and 2 million achieve full economies of scale. — Matthew Tan,evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 20 July 2026

The higher the budget, the more moviegoers are needed for the picture to break even. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Adjective

If a macro slowdown temporarily pushes oil lower, the high premium collected lowers the effective break-even point, leaving the trader well-positioned to either defend the position or take delivery of USO shares at a significant discount. — Michael Khouw, CNBC, 13 July 2026

When the Investment Pays Off The break-even case is heavy use. — Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Phrase

1885, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1958, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1931, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for break even

• breakeven
• genevan
• uneven
• steven